Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?
If you’re looking for a high-performance plug-in hybrid, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 plug-in hybrid is worth considering.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you want all the style, class, and performance of a
Mercedes-Benz
but are also ready for the benefits of a hybrid, then you should consider the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 plug-in hybrid.With a fair market value between $33,000 and $43,000, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the best of both worlds. The 60-kilowatt electric motor is quick and quiet, whereas the gas engine provides peace of mind and extended range.
If you’re thinking about buying a C 350 PHEV, get the information you need to make an informed decision in this 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 Plug-in Hybrid guide by
Jerry
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Mercedes-Benz C 350 car insurance
(or insurance for any other vehicle), Jerry’s got you covered there, too! 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 Plug-in Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz has always been eye-catching and the envy of all who don’t own one. With new plug-in hybrids, you get the classic Benz benefits in addition to the modern traits and technologies thatmake the car quiet, environmentally friendly, and cheaper on gas.
Performance, an elegant exterior, top-of-the-line tech and safety features—you can get it all with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 Plug-in Hybrid. But if you’re on a tight budget orwant the option to choose from different trim levels, then the 2018 C-Class C 350 shouldn’t be at the top of your list.
Pricing
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 comes in one trim level and had an MSRP of $47,900 brand new.Even though it’s an older model, the fair market value today isn’t much lower.
Prices vary widely on the used market, with some Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds listings as low as $33K and several others approaching the original MSRP. How much you pay will depend on the car’s condition and your location.
Performance and fuel economy
The C 350 PHEV is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that achieves 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Of course, since it’s a hybrid, it is also equipped with a strong electric motor that provides275 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers enjoy a seven-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive.If you think hybrids lack power and are a bit sluggish, then the C 350 will prove you wrong. It has a 0-to-60 time of 5.8 seconds—the same as the gas-only C 300.
Unfortunately, the electric motor can only power it for a short distance of up to 20 miles. This isn’t very good. However, the C 350 is still a smart option for those dipping their toe in the electric vehicle pool for the first time.
Don’t forget to give thought to charging time!The C 350 needs 2.5 hours to charge with a 240-volt plug or eight hours (or even longer) with a standard 120-volt household plug.
Exterior styling
Mercedes-Benz has never skimped on style. They could be making a soapbox and still wow a crowd. The C 350 PHEV comes in a variety of colors like Brilliant Blue Metallic, Dakota Brown Metallic, designo Cardinal Red Metallic, Iridium Silver Metallic, and more.
It’s designed with sleek contours, excellent craftsmanship, and modern German engineering.
Interior and comfort
The C 350’s interior is high quality and offers plenty of space for adult passengers in either the front or back seats. The trunk is a bit small but not too affected by the hybrid drivetrain parts.
Overall, there should be more than enough cargo space for the average driver.
Technology
Mercedes-Benz drivers who are tech savvy will enjoy these C 350 features:
- Speed-sensitive 5-speaker sound system
- Bluetooth technology
- Audio theft deterrent
- 2 LCD monitors in the front
- Telescoping steering column
- Remote keyless entry
The tech components of the ‘18 C 350 are solid and enhance the vehicle’s performance while contributing to its overall comfort and safety.
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Warranty coverage
Even though it’s an electric car, the 2018 C 350 is covered under the various Mercedes-Benz warranties:
- New vehicle limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Extended limited warranty: 3 additional years
- Plug-in hybrid battery limited warranty: 10 years or 150,000 miles
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): 1 year and unlimited miles
Trim levels and options
The electric C 350 comes in one trim level. You won’t have the chance to pay for certain style, performance, or safety upgrades, but you can always look into purchasing aftermarket options.
Some may view this as a weakness of the C 350, whereas other drivers find reviewing trim levels to be time-consuming.
The bottom line
If you can afford one, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 Plug-in Hybrid is a great ride. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Each driver has their own needs—maybe it's more cargo space, a cheaper price tag, or more trim levels to choose from.
The 2018 C 350 should provide enough acceleration, power, comfort, and style to appease the most passionate car enthusiasts. The catch, however, is the puny electric-only range. If you want a more pure electric vehicle, then you should look elsewhere.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 vs. 2018 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid
The 330e has a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, which provides an efficient ride. It has a total range of 320 miles and a combined 33-mpg fuel economy. It only gets a few more all-electric miles than the C 350 at 22 miles. So, like the C 350, you are best served to make only local trips emissions-free.
It’s also only slightly cheaper than the 2018 C 350 at $42,594.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 | $47,900 | 30 mpg | 51 MPGe | 20 miles | 2.5 to 8 hours | 10 years or 150,000 miles |
BMW 330e Plug | $42,594 | 54 mpg | 71 MPGe | 22 miles | 2.5 hours | 4 years or 50,000 miles |
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 vs. 2021 Lexus RX 450h
Another rival of the C 350 is the
Lexus RX 450h
, which has a starting price of $48,995. The Lexus RX 450 is a popular gas-powered car, but the carmaker also offers an impressive hybrid model. The Lexus RX 450h has a comfy interior that’s wonderfully quiet, attractively designed, and smoothly powered. It even provides better acceleration than gas-only models.
With a similar price tag, the Lexus RX 450h stacks up quite well with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350. Let’s take a closer look.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 350 | $47,900 | 30 mpg | 51 MPGe | 20 miles | 2.5 to 8 hours | 10 years or 150,000 miles |
2021 Lexus RX 450h | $48,995 | 30 mpg | N/A | 65 miles | 2 hours | 4 years or 50,000 miles |
How to save money on car insurance
Plug-in hybrids are a proven way to pay less at the pump. Of course, if you’re looking to
save more money on car-related expenses
, you should review your car insurance
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